My Dear Secretary

Plot

Stephanie Gaylord, an ambitious young writer with dreams of literary success, eagerly accepts a position as secretary to renowned novelist Owen Waterbury, believing it will be her ticket to the publishing world. Her initial excitement quickly turns to disappointment when she discovers that Owen is actually an immature, erratic playboy who spends more time socializing than writing, leaving Stephanie to handle his professional responsibilities while dealing with his womanizing ways. Despite their conflicting personalities and work ethics, a romantic connection develops between them, complicated by Owen's friend and rival Ronnie Hastings, who also shows interest in Stephanie. The relationship faces numerous challenges as Stephanie tries to maintain her professional integrity while falling for her boss, ultimately leading to a confrontation where both must choose between their ambitions and their feelings for each other. The film resolves with the characters finding a balance between love and career, acknowledging that successful relationships require both personal and professional respect.

Historical Background

My Dear Secretary was released in 1948, a year of significant transition in American society and the film industry. The post-World War II period saw dramatic shifts in gender roles as women who had entered the workforce during the war faced pressure to return to domestic roles, creating tension that the film explores through its protagonist's career ambitions. The late 1940s also marked the beginning of the Cold War and the Hollywood Blacklist era, which would soon dramatically impact the entertainment industry. The film industry itself was undergoing major changes, with the Paramount Decision of 1948 beginning to break up the studio system and the rise of television threatening movie attendance. Against this backdrop, romantic comedies like 'My Dear Secretary' offered audiences escapist entertainment while still reflecting contemporary social issues. The film's focus on workplace romance and professional ethics resonated with audiences navigating the rapidly changing post-war employment landscape, where traditional gender roles were being questioned and redefined.

Making Of

The production of 'My Dear Secretary' took place during a pivotal moment in Hollywood history, as the studio system was beginning to face challenges from television and changing audience preferences. Hal Roach Studios, once a powerhouse of comedy shorts, was struggling to transition to feature film production, and this movie represented one of their attempts to remain competitive. Director Charles Martin, primarily a screenwriter, was given his chance behind the camera, and he worked closely with the cast to develop the romantic chemistry that drives the film. Kirk Douglas, though not yet the major star he would become, demonstrated the intense preparation method he would become famous for, spending time with actual writers to understand their creative process. The production faced the typical challenges of the post-war era, including material shortages and union restrictions, but completed on schedule and within budget. The film's relatively modest scale allowed for greater creative freedom in developing the characters' relationship dynamics, and the cast reportedly enjoyed the light-hearted atmosphere on set compared to more dramatic productions they had worked on.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Lionel Lindon employed typical studio-era techniques, characterized by the polished, glamorous look appropriate for romantic comedies of the period. The film utilized standard three-point lighting to create a sophisticated atmosphere that enhanced the romantic elements while maintaining clarity for the comedic sequences. Interior scenes were carefully composed to emphasize the power dynamics between characters, with camera angles often positioning Owen Waterbury in dominant positions early in the film before gradually equalizing the visual relationship with Stephanie as their connection develops. The cinematography effectively contrasted the chaotic energy of Owen's lifestyle with the more orderly professional environment Stephanie attempts to maintain. The visual style incorporated subtle changes in lighting and camera work to reflect the emotional journey of the characters, with warmer tones used during romantic moments and more neutral lighting for professional scenes. While not groundbreaking technically, the cinematography served the story effectively and maintained the high production values expected from studio films of this era.

Innovations

As a modest studio production from the late 1940s, 'My Dear Secretary' did not feature significant technical innovations but demonstrated solid competence in standard filmmaking techniques of the era. The film employed typical sound recording methods of the period, capturing clear dialogue that was essential for the witty banter and romantic exchanges central to the story. The editing maintained smooth continuity throughout the narrative, effectively balancing the film's comedic timing with its romantic development. The production design created believable environments for both the professional workplace and domestic settings, using studio resources efficiently to establish the film's visual world. While the film did not push technical boundaries, it demonstrated the polished craftsmanship characteristic of Hollywood's studio system at its peak. The technical aspects served the storytelling effectively without drawing attention to themselves, reflecting the studio-era philosophy that technical excellence should support rather than overshadow the narrative and performances.

Music

The film's musical elements featured a title song 'My Dear Secretary' composed by the successful team of Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, who would later win Academy Awards for their work on films like 'The Paleface' and 'Rear Window.' The song embodied the playful, romantic tone of the film and was performed by characters during key moments in the narrative. The orchestral score, likely composed by Hal Roach Studios' music department, supported both the comedic and romantic elements with typical arrangements of the period, incorporating popular musical styles that would have been familiar to 1948 audiences. The soundtrack included incidental music that heightened emotional moments during romantic scenes while providing lighter, more whimsical accompaniment for comedic sequences. The music effectively reinforced the film's themes of workplace romance and the contrast between professional and personal life. While the soundtrack did not break new ground musically, it successfully enhanced the viewing experience and contributed to the film's entertainment value.

Memorable Scenes

• The initial job interview scene where Stephanie first meets Owen and is immediately charmed by his literary reputation, only to discover his chaotic work habits and unprofessional attitude
• The late-night writing session where Stephanie proves her talent by completing Owen's unfinished manuscript, demonstrating her skills and earning his respect
• The competitive confrontation between Owen and Ronnie Hastings where they vie for Stephanie's attention both professionally and romantically
• The romantic rooftop scene where workplace boundaries dissolve and the characters acknowledge their growing feelings for each other
• The final resolution where both characters must choose between their professional ambitions and their romantic relationship, finding a balance that allows for both career and love

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception to 'My Dear Secretary' was generally moderate, with reviewers acknowledging the film's entertainment value while noting its formulaic approach to the romantic comedy genre. The New York Times review praised the chemistry between Laraine Day and Kirk Douglas but suggested the plot followed predictable conventions. Variety magazine highlighted Douglas's charismatic performance and noted the film's potential appeal to romantic comedy fans. Modern retrospective views often categorize the film as a competent but unremarkable example of its genre, with particular interest in Douglas's early work before he became typecast in more intense dramatic roles. Film historians have noted the movie's reflection of post-war gender dynamics and its place in the evolution of workplace romantic comedies. While not considered a masterpiece, the film is generally regarded as a solid example of studio-era romantic comedy production values and storytelling techniques.

What Audiences Thought

The film performed modestly at the box office, appealing primarily to fans of romantic comedies and the growing number of Kirk Douglas admirers. Contemporary audiences responded positively to the chemistry between the leads and the film's light-hearted approach to workplace romance. The movie found particular success with female viewers who related to Stephanie's professional ambitions and romantic dilemmas. While not a blockbuster hit, the film's respectable performance helped establish Kirk Douglas as a viable romantic leading man alongside his emerging reputation for dramatic roles. The film's themes of balancing career and romance resonated with post-war audiences, many of whom were navigating similar challenges in their own lives. Over time, the film has developed a cult following among classic movie enthusiasts, particularly those interested in early Kirk Douglas performances and the evolution of the romantic comedy genre.

You Might Also Like